Loyola mourns the passing of Archbishop Philip Hannan

The Loyola University New Orleans community today mourns the loss of former Archbishop of New Orleans Philip Hannan, who died Thursday morning at the age of 98. Hannan served as the Catholic community’s spiritual leader for nearly a quarter of a century and was instrumental in creating entities that focused on serving the poor.

“New Orleans has lost a great spiritual and civic leader and Loyola has lost a great friend,” said Loyola University President Kevin Wm. Wildes, S.J., Ph.D. “Loyola University New Orleans was proud to work closely with Archbishop Hannan on several different occasions and his commitment to service to others, especially the poor and less fortunate, remains an inspiration to us all. The impact he made on our city will be felt for generations to come. He will be missed.”

One of those projects evolved into what is now the Loyola Institute for Ministry, which also offers programs around the country and around the world through its extension model. LIM began to offer online courses in 2000 and its degree fully online in 2010.

“The archdiocese began this program in 1968 as part of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and after about 10 years they realized they couldn’t maintain it,” said Loyola University President Emeritus James Carter, S.J., Ph.D. “They asked if we’d take it over, so in 1978 we took it over and it’s been growing ever since.”

Hannan received an honorary degree from Loyola in 1966 and the Integritas Vitae Award in 1978. The university's highest honor, the Integritas Vitae Award honors individuals who possess a high moral character in a lifetime of unselfish service without expectation of material reward or public recognition. Carter said Hannan’s strength of personality attracted supporters to his side, which allowed him to push ahead on certain projects.

“Under his watch, the archdiocese expanded Catholic Charities and helped with housing for the poor and elderly,” Carter added. “I was once asked who in New Orleans should be considered a role model. I immediately said Archbishop Hannan. That’s how much I thought of him.”

Archbishop Hannan’s wake will begin Monday, Oct. 3, at 6:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Seminary on Carrolton Avenue. Hannan’s body will lie in state at the seminary Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Both the Tuesday and Wednesday viewings are open to the public. The funeral procession to St. Louis Cathedral will begin at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, where Hannan will be buried in sanctuary.

LoyNews is an e-newswire produced by the Loyola University New Orleans Office of Public Affairs. LoyNews is distributed weekly to local, regional and national news media outlets, communicating the latest news and accomplishments of the university and its community.